Hand puller whose handle rolls in the strap

ABSTRACT

A hand puller whose handle can roll in a strap includes a base and a movable arm. The base has a pivotal element. The movable arm is disposed on the outer end of the pivotal element. A ratchet wheel is disposed between the movable arm and both ends of the base, respectively. The movable arm has a second stopping plate and extends with a pulling element. The pulling element has a third sliding groove with a rotating axis. Both ends of the rotating axis are disposed on the two arm boards of the movable arm. A rotating element is provided for the user to rotate, so that the strap is winded on the rotating axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to a hand puller that can roll in its strap and, in particular, to the structure of a hand puller that can conveniently roll in its strap.

2. Related Art

Generally speaking, one often uses a strap hand puller to fix or help fix a machine or cargo during the transportation. When the strap is not in use or too long, one has to wind it up or somehow collect it in a smaller space in order to avoid tying up. This is very inconvenient.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a conventional hand puller includes a base 61. One end of the base 61 connects to a tightening mechanism 62 that has a movable arm 621 and a rotating axis 622 connected with the movable arm 621. The other end of the base 61 is installed with a strap roller 63. The strap 64 goes through the rotating axis 622 of the tightening mechanism 62 and connects onto the axis inside the strap roller 63 (not shown). Therefore, one can operate the movable arm 621 of the tightening mechanism 62 to swing back and forth, thereby rotating the rotating axis 622 to tighten the strap 64. To put the strap away after use, one simply controls the torsional spring (not shown) in the strap roller to collect the strap.

Although the above-mentioned hand puller has the function of automatically rolling in the strap so that the user does not need to worry about collecting the strap, the strap roller 63 has to have sufficient space and housing in order to accommodate the strap. Moreover, the movable arm 621 of the tightening mechanism 62 needs some space to swing. More space is thus required for the tightening mechanism 62 and the strap roller 63. As shown in FIG. 7, the total size of the hand puller is relatively large for use and storage.

To overcome the above-mentioned problem of large sizes, another type of hand puller has been proposed. Please refer to FIGS. 8 to 10. It mainly includes a base 71, a tightening mechanism 73 connected with a movable arm 72, and a winding mechanism 75 for rolling in the strap 74. The winding mechanism 75 connects to a connecting part 76 of the base 71. The winding mechanism 75 includes a crank 751 and a winding axis 752. The user can rotate the crank 751 to rotate the winding axis 752. The relative swinging track between the movable arm 72 and the base 71 defines a moving space 721. At least part of the outer edge of the roll formed by the strap is accommodated inside the moving space 721. The size of the hand puller is thus largely reduced.

Although the problem of large sizes is solved, another problem occurs. Please refer to FIG. 9. If the strap 74 is so long that the width of the round strap roll is too large, then a movable arm 72 with a larger moving space is needed in order to accommodate the rolled strap in the moving space 721 of the movable arm 72. A longer movable arm means an increase in the material cost. At the same time, the connecting part 76 of the base 71 has to be extended. This also increases the material cost.

During the process of rolling in the strap 74, the movable arm 72 should swing to the side far from the connecting part 76 due to the mechanical design of the hand puller. Only by doing so can one wind the strap 74 using the winding mechanism 75. As shown in FIG. 10, one uses his left hand to hold the handle 722 at one end of the movable arm 72. His right hand extends to hold and rotate the crank 751. In this case, the span between left hand and right hand of the user is too large because the movable arm is longer. This is obviously inconvenient, and even troublesome for people with shorter arms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing problems, an objective of the invention is to provide a hand puller that can roll in a strap. A rotating axis for winding the strap and a pivotal element are installed on a movable arm. When rolling in the strap, both left and right hands of the user hold the movable arm near each other. It thus has the advantages of more convenience and higher efficiency.

To achieve the above objective, the invention includes: a base and a movable arm.

The base is pivotally installed with a pivotal element. The center of the pivotal element is formed with a through hole for a strap to go through. The end parts of the pivotal element going out of both sides of the base are provided respectively with a ratchet wheel rotating along with the pivotal element. Both sides of the base near the two ratchet wheels are formed with a first sliding groove, respectively. The two first sliding grooves have a first stopping plate that can slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels.

The movable arm has two opposite arm boards. One end of each of the two arm boards is located at one of the end parts on the pivotal element outside the base, respectively. One can thus rotate the pivotal element. The other end of each of the two arm boards far from the pivotal element is provided with a holding rod. A first accommodating space formed between the holding rod and the pivotal element. The two arm boards have an axle hole, respectively. A second sliding groove is formed on the two arm boards near the two ratchet wheels, respectively. The two second sliding grooves have a second stopping plate that can slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels. The side of the second stopping plate far from the two ratchet wheels is extended toward the holding rod with a connecting element in the first accommodating space. The connecting element connects the second stopping plate. It has a pulling bar near the holding rod. Moreover, the connecting element has a second accommodating space between the pulling bar and the second stopping plate for accommodating the strap. A third sliding groove is formed on the connecting element near the two arm boards to correspond to the axle holes, respectively. A rotating axis for winding the strap strides across the two third sliding groove and slides therein. Both ends of the rotating axis extend into the axle holes on the arm boards. One end of the rotating axis connects to the rotating element outside the arm board so that one can wind the strap on the rotating axis.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a base and a movable arm.

The base is pivotally installed with a pivotal element. The center of the pivotal element is formed with a through hole for a strap to go through. The end parts of the pivotal element going out of both sides of the base are provided respectively with a ratchet wheel rotating along with the pivotal element. Both sides of the base near the two ratchet wheels are formed with a first sliding groove, respectively. The two first sliding grooves have a first stopping plate that can slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels.

The movable arm has two opposite arm boards. One end of each of the two arm boards is located at one of the end parts on the pivotal element outside the base, respectively. One can thus rotate the pivotal element. The other end of each of the two arm boards far from the pivotal element is provided with a holding rod. A second sliding groove is formed on the two arm boards near the two ratchet wheels, respectively. A second stopping plate is disposed on the two second sliding grooves to slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels. The side of the second stopping plate far from the pivotal element is extended with a pulling bar. An accommodating space forms between the holding rod and the pulling bar. A rotating axis strides across the accommodating space, and its two ends are pivotally connected to the two arm boards. One end of the rotating axis connects to a rotating element outside the arm board so that the user can rotate the pivotal element to wind the strap on the rotating axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below illustration only, and thus is not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional, locally exploded view of the first embodiment of the disclosed hand puller;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view where the first embodiment hand puller rolls in the strap;

FIG. 4 is a side view where the first embodiment hand puller finishes rolling in the strap and its movable arm moves toward the base;

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional, locally exploded view of a second embodiment of the disclosed hand puller;

FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view of a first conventional hand puller;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a first conventional hand puller;

FIG. 8 is a three-dimensional view of a second conventional hand puller;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a second conventional hand puller; and

FIG. 10 shows that the left and right hands of the user extend too much when rolling in the strap using the second conventional hand puller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements.

Please refer to FIGS. 1 to 4. The following paragraphs describe the first embodiment of the invention. The embodiment includes a base 1 and a movable arm 3.

One end of the base 1 is pivotally connected with a pivotal element 11. The center of the pivotal element has a through hole 111 for a strap 2 to go through. The end parts of the pivotal element 11 going out of both sides of the base have respectively a ratchet wheel 12 rotating along with the rotating element 11. A first sliding groove 13 is formed on both sides of the base 1 near the two ratchet wheels 12. The two first siding grooves 13 is disposed with a first stopping plate 14 that can slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels 12. The side of the first stopping plate 14 far from the two ratchet wheels 12 is provided with a spring 15 for pushing the first stopping plate 14, so that the first stopping plate 14 urges against the two ratchet wheels 12. An extension board 16 is disposed between both sides of the bottom of the base 1. The spring 15 is disposed at the protruding part at the center of the extension board 16. Moreover, the other end of the base 1 far from the pivotal element 11 is connected with a connecting element 17 for connecting to and stabilizing the base 1.

The movable arm 3 has two arm boards 31 symmetric with respect to each other. The end of each of the two arm boards 31 on the same side is disposed at the two end parts outside the base 1. One can rotate the pivotal element 11 by rotating the movable arm 3. The other end of the each of the two arm boards 31 far from the pivotal element 11 has a holding rod 32 for holding. A first accommodating space 33 forms between the holding rods 32 and the pivotal element 11 of the two arm boards 31. The middle section of each of the two arm boards 31 has an axle hole 311. A second sliding groove 312 is formed respectively on the two arm boards 31 near the two ratchet wheels 12. The two second sliding grooves 312 are disposed with a second stopping plate 34 that can slide therein and urge against the two ratchet wheels 12. Moreover, a torsional spring 341 is disposed to push the second stopping plate 34. One end of the torsional spring 341 is on the second stopping plate 34, and its other end on the arm board 31.

The side of the second stopping plate 34 far from the two ratchet wheels 12 is extended toward the holding rod 32 with a pulling element 35 in the first accommodating space 33. The pulling element 35 can drive the second stopping plate 34. The pulling element 35 has a pulling bar 351 near the holding rod 32. The pulling element 35 further has a second accommodating space 36 between the pulling bar 351 and the second stopping plate 34 for accommodating the strap 2. The pulling element 35 is formed with two third sliding grooves 352 near the two arm boards 31 to correspond to the axle holes 311. A rotating axis 352 for the strap 2 to wind thereon slide in the two third sliding grooves 352 and strides across the second accommodating space 36. Both ends of the rotating axis 353 are pivotally disposed in the axle holes 311 of the arm boards 31. The second stopping plate 34 and the rotating axis 353 accommodating in the second and third sliding grooves 312, 352 slide in parallel. In this embodiment, the third sliding grooves 352 and the rotating axis 353 are roughly located in the middle between the second stopping plate 34 and the pulling bar 351. Furthermore, one end of the rotating axis 353 connects to a pivotal element 37 outside the arm board 31. The user rotates the pivotal element 37 for the strap 2 to wind around the rotating axis 353. In this embodiment, the pivotal element 37 includes a crank 371 and a holding part 372. One end of the crank 371 connects to the rotating axis 353. The holding part 372 is perpendicular to the crank 371.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the disclosed hand puller is the same as the usual hand puller as far as packing cargos is concerned. Therefore, it is not described herein.

However, the point is that after the strap is released from the cargo and when one wants to roll in the strap 2, he has to first pivotally rotate the movable arm 3 with respect to the base 1 so that they are far apart. The user first pulls the pulling bar 351 toward the holding rod 32. This makes the pulling element 35 to move the second stopping plate 34 inside the second sliding groove 312. The second stopping plate 34 thus temporarily releases its urging against the two ratchet wheels 12. This allows the movable arm 3 to rotate freely.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating axis 353 for the strap 2 to wind around is provided on the same side of the movable arm 3, unlike the prior art where it is disposed separately on the base and the movable arm. In this case, the user can use his one hand (e.g., left hand) to hold the holding rod 32 of the movable arm 3 and his other hand (e.g., right hand) to hold the holding part 372 of the pivotal element for rotation. Through continuous rotation, the user can readily roll in the strap 2 and wrap it around the rotating axis 353. After finishing the winding, the strap is accommodated in the second accommodating space 36. The user then pulls the pulling bar 351 to rotate the movable arm backward into the state shown in FIG. 4.

In summary, the rotating axis for rolling in the strap is disposed on the movable arm according to the invention. Therefore, during the process of winding the strap, both of the user's hands are close to each other. It is therefore very convenient and efficient.

Of course, the invention has many other embodiments that only differ in details. Please refer to FIG. 5 for a second embodiment of the invention. The hand puller in this embodiment includes a base 4 and a movable arm 5.

One end of the base 4 is pivotally connected with a pivotal element 41. The center of the pivotal element has a through hole 411 for a strap 2 to go through. The end parts of the pivotal element 41 going out of both sides of the base have respectively a ratchet wheel 42 rotating along with the rotating element 41. A first sliding groove 43 is formed on both sides of the base 4 near the two ratchet wheels 42. The two first siding grooves 43 is disposed with a first stopping plate 44 that can slide and urge against the two ratchet wheels 42. The side of the first stopping plate 44 far from the two ratchet wheels 42 is provided with a spring 45 for pushing the first stopping plate 44, so that the first stopping plate 44 urges against the two ratchet wheels 42. An extension board 16 is disposed between both sides of the bottom of the base 4. The spring 45 is disposed at the protruding part at the center of the extension board 46. Moreover, the other end of the base 4 far from the pivotal element 41 is connected with a connecting element 47 for connecting to and stabilizing the base 4.

The movable arm 5 has two opposite arm boards 51. One end of each of the arm boards 51 is disposed at the two end parts of the pivotal element 41 outside the base 4. One can rotate the pivotal element 41 by rotating the movable arm 5. The other end of each of the two arm boards 51 away from the pivotal element 41 has a holding rod 52. A second sliding groove 53 is formed on each of the two arm boards 51 near the two ratchet wheels 42. The two second sliding grooves 53 are disposed with a second stopping plate 54 that can slide therein and urge against the two ratchet wheels 42. A torsional spring 55 is provided to push the second stopping plate 54. One end of the torsional spring 55 is on the second stopping plate 54, and its other end on the arm board 51. The second stopping plate 54 is extended with a pulling bar 541 on the side away from the pivotal element 41. An accommodating space 56 forms between the holding rod 52 and the pulling bar 541 of the two arm boards 51. A rotating axis 57 strides across the accommodating space 56, with its both ends pivotally disposed on the two arm boards 51. One end of the rotating axis 57 connects to a pivotal element 58 outside the arm board 51, so that one can rotate the pivotal element 58 to wind the strap on the rotating axis 57. In this embodiment, the pivotal element 58 includes a crank 581 and a holding part 582. One end of the crank 581 connects to the rotating axis 57. The holding part 582 is perpendicular to the crank 581.

In practice, both the second embodiment and the first embodiment have the structure of winding the strap on the movable arm 5. They differ in that the rotating axis 57 of the second embodiment is between the pulling bar 541 and the holding rod 52. That is, the strap is rolled up in between. Such different designs can be used to collect straps of different lengths. The user can purchase the appropriate one for use.

Of course, the design of the second embodiment has the strap collected on the movable arm. Therefore, both hands of the user are closer to each other during the process of rolling in the strap. It is thus more convenient and efficient.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, will be apparent to people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated that the appended claims will cover all modifications that fall within the true scope of the invention. 

1. A hand puller whose handle is capable of rolling in a strap, comprising: a base, whose one end is pivotally disposed with a pivotal element; wherein the pivotal element has a through hole at its center for the strap to go through; a ratchet wheel rotating along with the pivotal element is disposed on the end parts of the pivotal element penetrating outside the base, respectively; a first sliding groove is formed on both sides of the base near the two ratchet wheels, and a first stopping plate is disposed in the two first sliding grooves to slide therein and urge against the two ratchet wheels; and a movable arm, which has two opposite arm boards whose one end is at the end parts of the pivotal elements outside the base, respectively, and moves with the pivotal element via rotation, while whose other end far from the pivotal element is disposed with a holding rod; wherein a first accommodating space forms between the holding rod and the pivotal element; the two arm boards have an axle hole, respectively; a second sliding groove is formed on the two arm boards near the two ratchet wheels, respectively; a second stopping plate is disposed in the two sliding grooves to slide therein and urge the two ratchet wheels; a pulling element in the first accommodating space extends from the side of the second stopping plate far from the two ratchet wheels; the pulling element affects the motion of the second stopping element; the pulling element has a pulling bar near the holding rod; the pulling element has a second accommodating space between the pulling bar and the second stopping plate for accommodating the strap; a third sliding groove is formed on the pulling element near the two arm boards, respectively, to correspond to the axle holes; a rotating axis for winding the strap thereon slides in the two third sliding grooves and strides across the axle holes of the arm boards; both ends of the rotating axis are pivotally disposed in the axle holes of the arm boards, with one end connecting to a rotating element outside the arm board; and one rotates the rotating element to wind the strap on the rotating axis.
 2. The hand puller of claim 1, wherein the side of the first stopping plate far from the two ratchet wheels is provided with a spring for pushing the first stopping plate, and an extension board is disposed between the two sides of the bottom of the base, and the spring is disposed on the extension board.
 3. The hand puller of claim 1 further comprising a torsional spring for pushing the second stopping plate, with its one end disposed on the second stopping plate and its other end on the arm board.
 4. The hand puller of claim 1, wherein the second and third sliding grooves are parallel.
 5. The hand puller of claim 1, wherein the third sliding grooves and the rotating axis are in the central portion between the second stopping plate and the pulling bar.
 6. The hand puller of claim 1, wherein the pivotal element includes a crank and a holding part, with one end of the crank connecting to the rotating axis and the holding part perpendicular to the crank.
 7. The hand puller of claim 1, wherein the end of the base far from the pivotal element is provided with a connecting element.
 8. A hand puller whose handle is capable of rolling in a strap, comprising: a base, whose one end is pivotally disposed with a pivotal element; wherein the pivotal element has a through hole at its center for the strap to go through; a ratchet wheel rotating along with the pivotal element is disposed on the end parts of the pivotal element penetrating outside the base, respectively; a first sliding groove is formed on both sides of the base near the two ratchet wheels, and a first stopping plate is disposed in the two first sliding grooves to slide therein and urge against the two ratchet wheels; and a movable arm, which has two opposite arm boards whose one end is at the end parts of the pivotal elements outside the base, respectively, and moves with the pivotal element via rotation, while whose other end far from the pivotal element is disposed with a holding rod; wherein a second sliding groove is formed on the two arm boards near the two ratchet wheels, respectively; a second stopping plate is disposed in the second sliding grooves to slide therein and urge against the two ratchet wheels; a pulling bar extends from the side of the second stopping plate far from the pivotal element; an accommodating space forms between the holding rod and the pulling bar; a rotating axis strides across the accommodating space with its two ends pivotally disposed on the two arm boards, with one end connecting to a rotating element outside the arm board; and one rotates the rotating element to wind the strap on the rotating axis.
 9. The hand puller of claim 8, wherein the side of the first stopping plate far from the two ratchet wheels has a spring for pushing the first stopping plate, and an extension board is disposed between both sides of the bottom of the base; and the spring is disposed on the extension board.
 10. The hand puller of claim 8 further comprising a torsional spring for pushing the second stopping plate, wherein one end of the torsional spring is disposed on the second stopping plate and the other end is disposed on the arm board.
 11. The hand puller of claim 8, wherein the rotating element includes a crank and a holding part, one end of the crank connects to the rotating axis, and the holding part is perpendicular to the crank.
 12. The hand puller of claim 8, wherein the end of the base far from the pivotal element has a connecting element. 